Early Warning System for my ST placement

[schoolcow]

I found out today that I will be placed in the same school in which I volunteered through an outside organization. One of the children tried to hit me, repeatedly, and then naturally accused me of hitting him. The staff of the organization didn't even talk to me-- they were amazed it took this long for the kid to lash out, which says a lot for his anger issues (he is the broken home, poor, walking socioeconomci statistic)-- and essentially reamed him. I was so disgusted by this-- no real punishment occurred-- as well as scared because the mere whiff of inappropriate physical contact is, um, not good, that I left that day. In two weeks, I go back. Cowrma.

My six month placement is with an age group that is at least three years below my comfort zone, and I am highly likely to have this child in my class, as in, I would place it at 90+% as I will be partnered with the child's teacher. How should I address this ? The credential program told me "Deal with it for six months. You are not going anywhere."

On the positive side, I will also encounter kids in the same class who were great. How do I politely get them to call me "Mr. Schoolcow" instead of my bovine first name. Any ideas ? I personally do not mind being called by my first name, but I can't imagine the CT liking it. Is there a good word/name game, or some "now I'm adult" speech I can use ?

Second grade is not my gig (even with members of my family, and godchildren/calves), which in its own way, is good that I have this placement because it will force me to work with kids I am not used to dealing with. But, it is six months, and this does affect my career. What advice can posters give on delaing with the young crowd ?

Any help is appreciated.

Moo.

 

[gabanndor]

Take the bull by the horns

Although I am surprised that you would be placed in a grade level that you do not want, you do need to make the best of it. You might find that you enjoy it more than you thought. I would require them to call you by your last name, just explain that you are now the teacher and leave it at that. Depend heavily on the CT and explain your concerns to her/him. If that child is in your class, tell CT about what happened. Get into the school atmosphere as much as you can and work with the other teachers - network. I wish you luck!

 

[fun_friend]

It's customary for teachers to be addressed by their last name. I don't think a mountain needs to be made out of a molehill. If kids insist on deviating and it gets out of hand, refer them to the office. You are the grown up in the relationship and you establish the rules. Lotsa luck!!!

 

[musicbug]

Names....

Have the kiddos call you Mr. S. Many of our male teachers do that. I used to be Miss Gardner AKA "Miss Garden" So I became Miss G. It's respectful and fun. Pass it by your cooperating teacher and critic prof. Little people love having male teachers. Your are quite unique and they will move mountains for you. Give the little guys a chance. Good Luck ,
"Miss G"

 

[Hawthorne]

question

is the child you are afraid of a second grade child? is he unusually large?

 

[schoolcow]

Big kid, bigger temper

This kid is very large, and coupled with his body language, comes across as a 12-14 year old. The first time I saw his temper, the staff made a point of not even walking near him, because it would make it worse, so he just kicked cafeteria tables for a while, threw backpacks at other kids, etc. It is worth noting that the staff who warned me to stay away were 220, 250, and 350 pounds each, and they weren't going to get near the kid.

Okay, this isn't right, but I am only a volunteer. When he starts getting angry, stay away.

Unfortunately, when he had a go at me, there was no warning. So, no way of knowing what this kid is going to do, and to whom, or why.